Penguin Bloom
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 2020 |
| Founder | Glendyn Ivin (director), Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps (screenwriters) |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Key people | Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln, Jacki Weaver |
| Products | Drama film |
Penguin Bloom is an Australian drama film from 2020, directed by Glendyn Ivin and scripted by Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps. The screenplay draws inspiration from the book authored by Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive. Featuring performances by Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln, and Jacki Weaver, the narrative centers on the real-life story of Sam and Cameron Bloom’s family and their connection with an injured Australian magpie they call 'Penguin'.
The movie debuted in Australian cinemas through Roadshow Films on 21 January 2021 and became available digitally in the United States via Netflix on 27 January. It achieved a global box office total of $6.3 million.
Plot
While vacationing in Thailand, Sam Bloom suffers a fall from a balcony, fracturing her T6 thoracic vertebrae and causing partial paralysis. Upon returning to Australia, Sam, an enthusiastic surfer, faces the challenge of adjusting to life confined to a wheelchair. She receives support from her husband Cameron, their three sons—Noah, Rueben, and Oli—and her overprotective mother Jan.
The children discover a wounded magpie chick, which they name Penguin. Initially feeling despondent, Sam gradually forms a bond with the bird. Noah harbors guilt for having asked his mother to visit the balcony before the accident, leading him to withdraw emotionally. The strain affects Sam and Cameron’s marriage as she battles to find happiness and seeks to leave her former life behind, insisting that Cameron refrain from asking about her condition.
Weeks later, Penguin heals and masters flying, motivating Sam to begin kayaking lessons. On her birthday, the family gathers for dinner amid ongoing disputes between Jan and Cameron regarding their roles in Sam’s care. Penguin faces aggression from larger birds but manages to fly away unharmed.
Sam addresses Noah’s feelings of guilt, assuring him he is not responsible. She expresses regret for her emotional distance and acknowledges newfound resilience; the family reconciles. Sam requests Cameron to check on her wellbeing; when he does, she responds with, "I'm better."
Penguin returns home several days afterward, prompting Sam to express gratitude for the bird’s role in her recovery.
Cast
- Naomi Watts as Sam Bloom
- Andrew Lincoln as Cameron Bloom
- Griffin Murray-Johnston as Noah Bloom
- Felix Cameron as Rueben Bloom
- Abe Clifford-Barr as Oli Bloom
- Jacki Weaver as Jan
- Rachel House as Gaye
- Leeanna Walsman as Kylie
- Lisa Hensley as Bron
Production
In December 2016, producer Bruna Papandrea secured the adaptation rights to the book with Naomi Watts attached both as lead actress and co-producer alongside Mark Audet, Emma Cooper, and Made Up Stories.<ref> By June 2017, Shaun Grant had been commissioned to develop the screenplay.<ref> By February 2019, Glendyn Ivin was confirmed as director; subsequently in July, Andrew Lincoln, Jacki Weaver, and Rachel House joined the cast.<ref><ref><ref>
Principal photography commenced in Australia in early August 2019.<ref><ref><ref>
Release
Penguin Bloom had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on 12 September 2020.
The film opened theatrically in Australia on 21 January 2021 through Roadshow Films, debuting at number one at the Australian box office during its opening weekend.
Netflix handled distribution across North America, the UK, Ireland, South Africa, France, and selected Asian territories beginning 27 January 2021.
Reception
According to the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating derived from critics' evaluations, with an average score indicating a blend of positive and negative reactions. The summary highlights that although the adaptation of the true story could have benefited from greater subtlety, compelling performances by Naomi Watts and Andrew Lincoln contribute significant emotional resonance. Meanwhile, Metacritic assigned a composite score of 54 out of 100, categorizing the reviews as "mixed or average."
The script authored by Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps earned a place on the shortlist for the Betty Roland Prize for Scriptwriting at the 2021 New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards.
Accolades
| Award | Ceremony date |
Category | Nominee | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AACTA Awards | December 8, 2021 | Best Film | Emma Cooper, Steve Hutensky, Jodi Matterson, Bruna Papandrea, Naomi Watts | Template:Nominated |
| Best Direction | Glendyn Ivin | Template:Nominated | ||
| Best Adapted Screenplay | Harry Cripps and Shaun Grant | Template:Nominated | ||
| Best Actress in a Leading Role | Naomi Watts | Template:Nominated | ||
| Best Supporting Actress | Jacki Weaver | Template:Nominated | ||
| Best Cinematography | Sam Chiplin | Template:Nominated | ||
| Best Original Music Score | Marcelo Zarvos | Template:Nominated | ||
| Best Production Design | Annie Beauchamp | Template:Nominated |